Daniel Lakens
Dear early career researchers: I have been writing papers for 17 years. A professional editor just sent back edits on a first draft of a 4 page text. Except for 5 lines, the whole document was red. This is how it goes! Don't feel bad if you get a massive amount of suggested changes on early drafts. The paper will most likely be better for it in the end.
Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53amWeb
Show threadRochelle AckerleyDec 8, 2022
@lakens
Yes! And prepare yourself for the fact that the paper will likely change back to nearer the original text too. I learnt that lesson over 20 years ago and find that I do the same now - but it's a better paper at the end!
Show threadMatthias DöringDec 8, 2022
@lakens 5 full lines without any comments? Well, I guess I still have a long way to go to get there
Show threadDaniel LakensDec 8, 2022
@matthiasdoering They feel like the best writing I have ever done in my life now ;)
Show threadMatthias DöringDec 8, 2022
@lakens Rightly so. Print them, frame them, turn them into a tuxedo
Show threadDominique MullerDec 8, 2022
@lakens very important message. I could not agree more.
Show threadDaniel E. WeeksDec 8, 2022
@lakens My dissertation mentor would provide extensive and detailed editorial feedback on every draft using a pencil that started out sharp but was quite dull by the end! Very grateful for all his feedback as he taught me to be a much better writer. Now I strive to be similarly helpful to my mentees via extensive comments and suggested edits.
Show threadEhudDec 8, 2022
@lakens dear editor, you seem to have drifted off on lines 5 to 10. Awaiting your further corrections.
Show threadpengzell.bsky.socialDec 8, 2022
@lakens Makes me think we don’t focus enough on access to editing/mentorship and its unequal distribution.